Important note: Information in this Q&A was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.11 days ago I went out with friends and brought a guy home. I had unprotected oral sex in which the guy ejaculated in my mouth, and I do not know his HIV status. 6 days later my throat became sore and my one tonsil was swollen with white stuff on it. Initially I was thinking it was tonsilitis and went to my doctor. I never mentioned to her about my encounter because at the time I didn't really think about it. My temperature at the time was normal and she put me on antibiotics (never did tell me if it was tonsilitis or not) Throughout the week my other tonsil became swollen and it became difficulty to swallow because it was so sore. I checked my temperature at home these past few days and had a fever but it went down. My lymph nodes in my neck are swollen and I sometimes get the sweats. The first few days after the initial symptoms I would get very lightheaded and dizzy particularly when walking, and had a headache.
Is it possible that I have an HIV infection instead?? What is the risk that I contracted HIV from him?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Department of Internal Medicine
Assistant Chief, Hospitalist Division; Kaiser Permanente of West Los Angeles
It is quite unusual, although not impossible, to acquire HIV from the encounter you describe. If you would like to be absolutely, the best way is to take the HIV antibody test--if negative at 3 months, you do not have HIV.
However, remember there are other sexually transmitted conditions which are even more easily acquired through oral sex than is HIV--and these can present with symptoms such as those which you describe. See your provider and have him/her check you out, as appropriate, for syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and others.
Good luck--and remember to play safe!
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